Jadeveon Clowney has been a lot of things: No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, three-time Pro Bowler, and defensive menace on six NFL teams. But he just got released for the first time in his career on May 8.
It’s a slightly shocking moment for the long-time pass rusher, but he’s making it clear that this is not the end of his playing career if he has anything to say about it.
Clowney is Certain He Still Has Gas Left in the Tank
“I’m definitely gonna play well. You can mark my word on that. I don’t care where I end up playing at, I’m gonna play extremely well,” Clowney said Thursday afternoon during a phone interview with The Athletic.
Clowney told The Athletic’s Joseph Person that he sensed he was on his way out in Carolina. The Panthers drafted two pass rushers, Nic Scourton of Texas A&M and Princely Umanmielen of Ole Miss, in the second and third rounds of the NFL Draft. It was a clear sign to Clowney that the team wanted to get younger on the defensive line.
Clowney went on to explain how he saw the situation unfold.
“I went to OTAs Day 1, and they kinda told me they weren’t expecting me to be there. I got a sense then they wanted me out of the building,” he said. “I was just like, ‘Y’all could’ve told me this back when I was coming in here during the offseason.’ I kinda had a sense, though. I’ve been around the game long enough to know, so I was OK.”
Clowney signed a two-year, $20 million contract in March 2024 and was due $10 million in 2025. He started 14 games and recorded 5.5 sacks, 46 total tackles, 11 quarterback hits, and four pass deflections. Cutting the 32-year-old saves the Panthers $7.8 million against the cap in 2025.
In light of his newfound free agency, Clowney thinks he can be an attractive option for two teams in particular.
“I think I played well for Carolina (last) year, considering the circumstances that was unfolded for me. I played with a bunch of guys that was hurt this past year. And I ended up playing extremely well for them. So it is what it is. I can play the game. I can play football. There are 31 other teams. I just hope another team gives me that opportunity so I can prove myself again. I feel like I can do that.”
The Kansas City Chiefs could use another edge rusher to complement and support Chris Jones. A dual threat of theirs could wreak havoc on opposing offenses. The Detroit Lions are an intriguing option. The Lions had a slew of injuries on defense and have to be thinking about depth behind Aidan Hutchinson.
Regardless, Clowney is going to get calls, and they will likely come from a team looking for help in the playoffs.